Osteopathy is a therapy that aims to improve your overall health without any drugs and invasive therapy, just by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. This treatment works on the body’s circulatory, nervous and lymphatic system. In this type of treatment, a person muscles and joints will be stretched and moved, and your osteopath will message on muscles and joints so that you can get some relief from the pain. It is recommended to contact an osteopath if you are of old age or you are facing muscle tension so that an osteopath can help to increase the joints mobility. This will be the best treatment in which no medicine is used.
Osteopathy services can provide relief from a large number of medical issues. Some of these are:
- Tennis and golf elbow, frozen shoulder
- Neuralgia
- Arthritis
- Problems related to posture due to pregnancy, driving, digestive issues
- Sports injuries, sprains, cramps etc.
- Neck pain, back pain, sciatica, lumbago, hernia, muscle stiffness
- Spinal injury
- Headaches: stress-related headaches, migraine, dizziness etc.
- Foot, ankle, hip and knee pain
- Hand, shoulder and elbow pain
- Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome
- Mobility issues
- Digestion issues, heartburn, bloating, gas, constipation, intestinal problems
- Sleep issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea etc.
How do Osteopathic Services work?
An osteopath will first try to understand your problem and the reason behind it. He will question you about your medical history and any medical treatments you have undergone in the past or are presently undergoing. Post this; the osteopath will undertake a physical examination of the patient, where the patient will be asked to demonstrate some simple stretches and movements to help the osteopath make an accurate diagnosis. The osteopath uses a specialised technique of touch known as palpation to assess the condition of ligaments, tendons, tissues and joints. After that he/she will try and identify all the blockages in your body and the cause for the complaint. Once this done, the osteopathic physician will propose a plan of treatment, including the number of sessions that the patient is likely to need.
The osteopath will then try and treat the issue through manipulation, mobilisation and muscle energy techniques. The aim of osteopath services is to try and engage the body’s own healing capacity. This is done by removing any hindrances, in the form of blockages, to the body’s natural healing process. These services do not use any medications or technical aids. The osteopath may also advise dietary changes, home exercises and certain lifestyle changes.
Each osteopath treatment lasts for approximately half an hour and the osteopath will give a gap of approximately one week between sessions.
Risks associated with Osteopathy Services
Like with most medical treatments, osteopathy too has some risks and side effects. First-time patients may experience some soreness and stiffness for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. Some may also have a headache for some time. Patients who are more advanced in age may experience some side effects such as pain, numbness, tingling and maybe a rib fracture in some cases. Side effects such as stroke, nerve damage, bladder or bowel problems are rare but may happen in a few cases and patients should be made aware of the risks before starting treatment.
Most patients have found osteopathic services to be beneficial in a number of medical issues. Apart from treating existing medical conditions, osteopathy is also used as preventive therapy to keep the body nimble and agile. Availing of osteopathy services regularly can replace spa treatments and massages for good health. However, when looking for an osteopathic practitioner makes sure you consult someone who comes recommended by your regular medical practitioner or friends and family. Make sure you choose an osteopath who is registered and has all licenses in place. You can also read reviews for a particular doctor on the internet. Choose someone who makes you comfortable and makes you feel at ease.
